JUPITER AFTER SUNSET
“THE SQUARE GROUPER”
You have spent a picture perfect “postcard” day swimming, sunning, boating, fishing, and enjoying all the benefits of Jupiter, Florida. Now after a lazy nap under rustling coconut palm trees in a comfy hammock, it’s time to make an evening plan with friends and/or family. You ask yourself the same old question… “What would you like to do tonight?
Opportunities abound for early evening hours as the sun just begins to set. Consider warm balmy breezes at a local favorite watering hole, The Square Grouper Tiki Bar and Castaways Marina, overlooking the most historic landmark in Jupiter. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was designed by Civil War hero General George Meade and it has been fully functioning and operated by the Coast Guard since 1860. Tours are available every half an hour of the interior and offer an incredible daytime view of Jupiter and Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the “wild and scenic Loxahatchee River." Park your car and have a rickshaw driver give you a courtesy ride to a fun filled “tiki” atmosphere.
The history of this favorite destination dates back to the Celestial Railroad of the late 1880’s. The reason it was called the Celestial Railroad was because of the four stations named Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Juno. The Jupiter station was located on the Jupiter Inlet, on the southern most point of the Indian River and was the headquarters for the railroad. The Indian River was a bustling 150 mile salt water lagoon with three natural inlets to the ocean. It was bustling with freight companies and steamboat companies. The Celestial Railroad connected the small towns in the area. There was even a floating hotel!
Jupiter was as desirable in the late 1880’s as it is today! The wealthy flocked in private yachts to this area or came by steamer and many visited a two story hotel and saloon that overlooked the scenic Jupiter Inlet waterway. President Cleveland and other dignitaries were said to have stayed at the hotel. During the days of prohibition, the Jupiter Inlet site was used by rum runners for a drop off point of illegal alcohol. Today, The Grouper offers a concoction named after those industrious prohibition rebels called the “Rum Rummer”. The Square Grouper is one of the most popular on the waterfront, live music establishments in the United States and here in our backyard! Jupiter these days is an eclectic mix of fabulous people. You will come across young professionals, retired athletes, professional golfers, artists, students, politicians, etc. At The Square Grouper you can sip something cold and enjoy the sheer beauty of the Jupiter Inlet, watch boats go by and listen to music. Many talented local musicians and some of the music industries leading artists can be heard and seen here! Alan Jackson’s video, featuring Jimmy Buffet, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” was filmed here. The stunning scenery has been the backdrop for many beautiful sunsets. As much as things seem to change, they remain the same! Come enjoy paradise in Jupiter, Florida.
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